Everything you need to know about AIDS and HIV

Despite huge advances in accurate diagnosis, available treatment and improved prognosis, HIV - the virus that causes AIDS - remains under-diagnosed and often poorly understood by the people most at risk. There has, historically, been much speculation, inaccuracy and stigma attached to HIV and AIDS. Allow GQ to explain more...

What is HIV?

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. We rely on the immune system to fight infections that we come into contact with on a day-to-day basis. When this immune system is compromised, it leaves us vulnerable to a whole variety of other viruses, bacteria, and germs.

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus that attacks the immune system and AIDS, more recently referred to as Advanced HIV Disease, is the syndrome which develops when the immune system is significantly weakened as a result, leaving the individual exposed to a range of infections and illnesses.

How common is HIV?

There were an estimated 107,800 people living with HIV in the UK in 2013 and about 6 in 10 of these cases were thought to have been a result of men having sex with men. Worryingly about a quarter of people who have HIV are believed to be unaware of their infection.

How might I catch HIV?

HIV can be transmitted in several ways

By sexual activity through oral, vaginal or anal sex.

From your mother if she was infected during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

Sharing needles contaminated by HIV.

Receiving blood products contaminated by HIV.

A human bite from an HIV positive person.

Exposure through an open wound to bodily fluids of an HIV positive person.

Despite what some misinformed people may try and tell you, there is no evidence that you can catch HIV from ordinary social contact such as kissing, shaking hands, hugging or sharing food with an HIV infected person.

How might I be at increased risk of getting HIV?

A current or previous partner who is HIV positive.

You do not use condoms.

You are a man who has sex with men.

You or your current/ex-partner come from an area of high prevalence of HIV such as sub-Saharan Africa.

You have had multiple sexual partners.

You have a history of sexually transmitted infections.

You have injected drugs.

You have been raped.

You have received a blood transfusion, a transplant or had major surgery prior to 1985 in the UK or in a developing country in modern times.

You have had a needle stick injury at work (e.g. a nurse who may have accidentally pricked his finger with a needle that had been previously injected into a patient infected with HIV).

What are the symptoms of HIV?

80% of people develop symptoms after initial infection with the HIV virus. Fever is the most common symptom affecting 80-90 per cent of people 2 weeks after being first infected. A sore throat, swollen glands in the neck, aching muscles and headaches are also common and occasionally there is a blotchy rash. These symptoms may only last 2 weeks.

Unfortunately these symptoms are very similar to glandular fever, tonsillitis or a viral throat infection making HIV easy to miss. Worryingly early HIV infection is missed in up to approximately 50 per cent of infected individuals when they first present to a health care specialist and these individuals may be highly infectious therefore being at greater risk of passing on HIV to others.

How can I be tested for HIV?

If you have symptoms or feel you may be at risk of having HIV the best thing to do is see your GP or local GUM (genito-urinary medicine) clinic. After chatting to you they may offer you an examination and a blood test. Make sure you understand how you will get your blood test results. Most doctors and clinics will arrange a follow up phone call so check they have the correct number before leaving.

There are several different ways of testing for HIV infection and this may vary depending on where you live and the local laboratory testing facilities. Sometimes it may be necessary to repeat a blood test after 3 months if the first one comes back negative and you have symptoms or are significantly at risk.

What happens if the test comes back positive for HIV?

If your blood test comes back positive, you will be diagnosed with HIV and referred to a clinic specialising in HIV where you will be seen promptly (usually within 1-3 days) by a specialist and offered further information, advice, support and information on treatment.

Can HIV be treated?

Yes. HIV is a treatable condition and most people with the virus remain fit and well with antiretroviral drug treatment.

Can HIV be cured?

Currently there is no cure for HIV, but much research continues in this area.

Can HIV be prevented?

Yes. Avoiding activities which put you at risk is the most effective way of preventing HIV and simple measures like using condoms should not be under-estimated. There is currently no available vaccine to prevent HIV but if you have been exposed and contact a health professional promptly (within 72 hours) you may be offered a course of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medicines which may prevent infection with HIV developing.

What is my prognosis if I have HIV?

Most people with HIV who are diagnosed in reasonable time can look forward to a near normal life-span with modern medicine although they may suffer from higher rates of heart, lung, kidney and liver disease. The earlier the virus is diagnosed the more favourable the outcome.

The following advice is as accurate and as comprehensive as possible but it is only general advice and should not be used as a substitute for the individual advice you might receive from consulting your own doctor.